title: Disposal options and case-study pathway analyses.
abstract: This paper presents an overview of alternatives that currently are employed for the disposal of wastes containing enhanced concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The application of pathway assessment methodology to the derivation of acceptable cleanup criteria for residual NORM is described. A specific example is provided drawing on experience with a site containing above-background levels of natural uranium-series and thorium-series nuclides. The options for safe, permanent disposal of U and Th bearing NORM waste are discussed and the application of pathway analysis to performance assessment of a typical engineered disposal cell is illustrated. Typical methods for disposal of other NORM waste forms also are described. This includes radium-contaminated wastes from petroleum sludges, uranium milling, and geothermal power plant operation as well as thorium wastes from production of thorium-magnesium alloys.
authors.affiliation: Dames and Moore Group, Buffalo, NY, USA.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Quinby
authors.forename: W P
authors.initials: WP
authors.lastname: Duggan
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yuan
mesh_terms: D001417:Background Radiation; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D005160:Facility Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry / Q000592:standards; D008906:Mining; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011850:Radioactive Waste; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry; D011883:Radium; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D013910:Thorium; D014501:Uranium
chemical_list: D011850:Radioactive Waste; D011868:Radioisotopes; D014501:Uranium; D013910:Thorium; D011883:Radium